Morning came too early and not early enough.
Emma woke wrapped in Alexander's arms, sunlight streaming through the windows, and for the first time in days, she felt... peaceful. Safe. Home.
Alexander was already awake, watching her with an expression she couldn't quite read.
"How long have you been staring at me?" Emma asked, her voice still rough with sleep.
"Not long. Maybe an hour." His hand traced patterns on her back, gentle and reverent. "I kept thinking you might disappear. That last night was a dream and I'd wake up to an empty bed."
"I'm real. I'm here." Emma pressed her palm to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "And I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Emma shifted to look at him properly. "But Alexander, we need to talk. Really talk. About everything that happened. About why you pushed me away. About how we make sure it doesn't happen again."
